Recognizing Illegal Puppy Trade – and How to Avoid Them
- Team @ Rescute
- Oct 2
- 10 min read
Bringing a puppy into your life should be an exciting and joyful experience—but sadly, not every seller has the dog’s best interest at heart. Despite Germany’s strict animal welfare laws, the illegal puppy trade remains a serious problem, often fueled by imports from Eastern Europe and careless buyers who unknowingly support it.
These puppies are frequently bred in poor conditions, separated too early from their mothers, and sold without proper documentation. Knowing how to recognize the red flags can protect you from scams and, more importantly, prevent unnecessary suffering for the animals. This guide will help you identify the warning signs of illegal puppy dealers in Germany and point you toward safe, responsible ways to adopt.
Table of Content
Red Flags When Adopting a Puppy in Germany
1. Too Young Puppies
A very clear red flag when adopting or buying a puppy is if the seller is offering puppies that are far too young. In Germany, it is not only considered irresponsible but also illegal to separate puppies from their mother before they are at least 8 weeks old. This minimum age is important for the puppy’s health, socialization, and emotional development. During this period, they learn essential skills from their mother and littermates—such as bite inhibition, basic communication, and confidence.
If someone tries to sell you a very young puppy, for example at 5–6 weeks old, it usually signals that they are more interested in making a quick profit than in the welfare of the animals. Puppies taken away too early often struggle with behavioral issues, anxiety, and weaker immune systems later in life. Always ask the seller for the puppy’s exact age, and if they cannot provide clear proof (such as vet records), consider it a major warning sign of irresponsible or illegal breeding.
2. Missing or Fake Documents
Proper documentation is one of the most important safeguards when adopting or buying a puppy in Germany. A responsible breeder or shelter will always provide official papers that prove the puppy’s age, health status, and legal background. If documents are missing, fake, or incomplete, it is often a strong indicator of illegal puppy trade.
Every puppy should come with:
EU Pet Passport – This official document contains the puppy’s identification details, vaccination history, and ownership information. It should be issued by a licensed veterinarian.
Microchip (ISO-standard, registered) – The microchip number must match what’s written in the passport. Reputable breeders will already have the puppy registered to ensure clear identification.
Vaccination Records – At minimum, the puppy should have basic vaccinations appropriate for its age. Keep in mind that rabies vaccination is only valid from 12 weeks of age plus 21 days, so any puppy younger than that cannot legally cross borders.
Be cautious if you notice any of the following: handwritten entries that don’t look professional, stamps or signatures that seem fake, inconsistent dates, or missing vaccination details. Scammers often rely on buyers not double-checking these documents. Always take the time to carefully review the paperwork, and if something feels “off,” trust your instincts and walk away.
3. Seller Avoids Questions or Is Pushy
When dealing with a responsible breeder or shelter, you should always feel welcome to ask as many questions as you need.
Ethical breeders are usually proud of their puppies and will gladly provide detailed information about:
the puppy’s health history and recent vet visits
the parents’ health certificates and temperament
the living environment where the puppies were raised
the breed’s characteristics and care requirements
If a seller becomes vague, avoids your questions, or gives you very short and unhelpful answers, that’s a strong warning sign. Illegal traders often try to rush the process. They may pressure you to “decide quickly” or push for immediate payment, sometimes even refusing visits to where the puppies are kept. Their goal is to close the deal fast before you notice the red flags.
4. Strange Meeting Places
Be cautious if a seller suggests meeting in a parking lot, highway rest stop, train station, or any other “neutral” location instead of their home. This is a classic tactic used by illegal puppy traders to hide where the puppies are really kept. They often don’t want you to see the poor living conditions, overcrowded facilities, or the fact that the mother isn’t around.
A responsible breeder or shelter will always invite you to their home or facility. This is not only a chance to meet the puppy but also to:
See the environment where the puppies were raised
Observe the cleanliness and overall conditions
Meet the mother (and sometimes the father) of the litter
Watch how the puppies interact with their siblings and surroundings
If a seller refuses a home visit and insists on handing over the puppy in a public place, it’s almost always a red flag. Even if they claim it’s for “convenience” or because they are “too busy,” remember that genuine breeders have nothing to hide. When adopting, always make sure you can see where the puppy grew up—it’s one of the best ways to confirm that you’re dealing with a legitimate and caring source.
5. No Mother Dog Present
A trustworthy breeder or shelter will always let you meet the mother dog—and ideally, see her interacting with the litter. This is one of the most reliable ways to confirm that the puppies were raised in a safe, healthy environment. Watching how the mother behaves can tell you a lot about the puppies’ future temperament and how well they were cared for.
If the seller makes excuses like “the mother is with another family,” “she’s at the vet,” or “you can’t see her right now,” it’s a strong warning sign. Illegal traders often separate puppies from their mothers too early, or the mother may not even exist in the place they claim. In many cases, the puppies have been transported from abroad or bred in poor conditions, and the seller wants to avoid questions about their origins.
Seeing the mother also helps verify the puppy’s age, breed, and health background. If the seller refuses, changes the subject, or shows obvious discomfort when you ask, it’s safest to walk away. Remember: a responsible breeder has nothing to hide and will usually be proud to introduce you to both the mother and her puppies.
6. Unusually Low Prices
In Germany, raising a healthy, well-bred puppy comes with significant costs—responsible breeders invest in veterinary care, quality food, health testing, vaccinations, and proper socialization. Because of this, purebred puppies usually cost anywhere from €1,000 to €2,000 or more when purchased from a reputable breeder.
If you come across a seller offering a pedigree puppy for only €300–€500, or prices that seem far below the average, treat it as a major red flag. Low prices are often used by illegal puppy traders to attract quick buyers, especially those who are focused only on the bargain and not the hidden risks.
Puppies from these sources may:
Come from puppy mills or unregulated backyard breeders
Lack proper veterinary care or vaccinations
Suffer from hidden health issues that will lead to high vet bills later
Have been imported illegally from countries with weaker animal welfare laws
A “cheap” puppy can end up being very expensive in the long run—not just financially, but emotionally, if the dog becomes sick or struggles with behavioral problems. A fair price is usually a sign that the breeder has invested properly in the puppy’s well-being.
7. Health Problems / Poor Condition
A healthy puppy should look bright, alert, and well cared for. If you notice visible signs of neglect, it’s a serious warning sign that the puppy may come from the illegal trade or an irresponsible breeder.
Common red flags include:
Dirty or matted fur – suggests poor hygiene and neglect
Parasites – fleas, ticks, or visible worms in stool are common in poorly kept puppies
Coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge – may point to respiratory infections like kennel cough
Diarrhea or bloated belly – often linked to worms, poor diet, or untreated illness
Lethargy or weakness – puppies should be playful and curious; tired, unresponsive pups may be very sick
Puppies from illegal traders are often raised in overcrowded, unsanitary environments with little or no veterinary care. Even if they look healthy at first, they may develop serious illnesses shortly after being brought home. These health issues not only cause suffering for the puppy but can also result in emotional distress and high veterinary costs for the new owner.
A responsible breeder or shelter will provide veterinary records, allow you to see proof of vaccinations, and encourage you to ask about the puppy’s health history. If the puppy appears sickly or the seller brushes off your concerns, it’s safest not to proceed.
8. Online Ads Without Transparency
Many illegal puppy traders rely on online classifieds such as eBay Kleinanzeigen, Quoka, or other listing platforms to reach buyers quickly and anonymously. While not all ads are suspicious, you should approach them with caution—especially if important details are missing or the listing seems designed to rush you into a sale.
Warning signs in online ads include:
Sellers offering multiple different breeds at the same time (responsible breeders usually focus on just one or two breeds).Vague or generic descriptions such as “rare,” “special offer,” or “limited availability” without real information about the puppy’s background.
No mention of the parents, breeder’s name, or kennel registration.
Stock photos or pictures that look copied from the internet instead of showing the actual puppy.
Prices that seem unusually low compared to normal breeder rates.
Illegal traders often count on buyers not asking too many questions and being swayed by cute pictures or “bargain deals.” Always insist on speaking directly with the breeder, visiting the puppies in person, and seeing the mother dog. If a seller avoids transparency or pushes you to finalize everything online, it’s a strong red flag.
The Green Flags - Good Breeders Care Where Their Puppies Go and Asks You Many Questions
A key difference between responsible breeders/shelters and illegal puppy traders is how much they care about where their puppies end up. Ethical breeders want to make sure their dogs are placed in safe, loving, and stable homes. For this reason, expect them to ask you lots of personal questions—sometimes it can feel like an interview, but it shows they are serious about the welfare of their animals.
Typical questions include:
Living situation – Do you live in an apartment, house, or rural area? Is there access to a garden or safe outdoor space? Responsible breeders want to know if the environment is suitable for a growing puppy.
Experience with dogs – Have you owned or cared for a dog before? Do you understand basic training, health needs, and breed-specific requirements?
Daily schedule – How long will the puppy be left alone each day? Who will care for it if you’re at work or traveling? Puppies need social contact and structure to thrive.
Financial readiness – Are you prepared for the ongoing costs of dog ownership, including food, veterinary care, vaccinations, insurance, grooming, and potential emergencies?
Long-term commitment – Do you understand that adopting a dog is a 10–15+ year responsibility and that your lifestyle must adapt as the dog grows older?
If a seller shows no interest in your answers—or doesn’t ask you anything at all—it’s a major red flag. Illegal traders only care about quick sales, not about whether the puppy’s future home is suitable. In contrast, responsible breeders and shelters want to ensure their puppies will be loved and properly cared for throughout their lives.
Why These Questions Matter
When breeders or shelters ask detailed questions, it’s not to make the process difficult—it’s to protect the puppy and support you as a future owner.
These questions serve several important purposes:
Ensuring a stable and suitable home – Puppies need the right environment to grow into healthy, well-adjusted dogs. Questions about your living space, schedule, and support system help the breeder decide if the puppy will thrive in your care.
Matching the right breed or temperament to your lifestyle – Not all dogs have the same needs. A high-energy working breed won’t be happy in a small apartment with little exercise, while a calmer companion breed may fit perfectly. Honest answers help prevent mismatches that can lead to frustration for both owner and dog.
Showing genuine care for the puppy’s welfare – When breeders or shelters invest time in getting to know you, it proves they are committed to the long-term well-being of their animals. They want to make sure their puppies go to loving, responsible homes—not just to the first person who shows up with money.
In short, these questions are a sign of responsibility and professionalism. If a seller doesn’t ask you anything—or seems eager to hand over a puppy without learning about you—that’s a major red flag for illegal or irresponsible breeding.
Safe Ways to Adopt in Germany
If you want to avoid the risks of illegal puppy trade, it’s important to know where to look for safe and responsible adoption options. Fortunately, Germany has a strong network of animal welfare organizations and strict laws that help protect both animals and future owners.
Tierheim (Animal Shelters)
Germany is home to hundreds of reputable animal shelters, often run by local welfare organizations. Adopting from a Tierheim means the dog has received veterinary care, vaccinations, and often basic training. The staff will also help you find a dog that fits your lifestyle. Adoption fees are usually much lower than buying from a breeder and help support the shelter’s ongoing work.
VDH Breeders (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen)
The VDH is Germany’s official kennel club and has very strict breeding standards. Puppies from VDH-registered breeders come with proper documentation, health checks, and proof of lineage. While the cost is higher, you gain peace of mind knowing the breeder follows ethical practices.
Registered Rescues and NGOs
Some organizations bring dogs from abroad to find homes in Germany. Reputable groups follow legal procedures such as the TRACES system (for safe and documented transport of animals across borders). They provide proper vaccination records, microchipping, and often spay/neuter before adoption.
By choosing one of these safe options, you not only protect yourself from scams but also ensure that your new puppy comes from a background of care, legality, and transparency.
Final Thoughts
Adopting a puppy is not just about finding a cute companion—it’s a long-term commitment that begins with making the right choice from the very start. Illegal puppy traders thrive on secrecy, low prices, and buyers who don’t ask questions. By learning the warning signs, insisting on transparency, and choosing trusted sources such as Tierheime, VDH breeders, or registered rescues, you can avoid the heartbreak and hidden costs of the illegal trade.
Most importantly, you’ll be giving a dog the chance to grow up healthy, safe, and loved in the environment it deserves. When in doubt, always remember: a responsible breeder or shelter has nothing to hide.
